COVID-19: Second Wave or Multiple Peaks, Natural Herd Immunity or Vaccine - We Should be Prepared

Between December 31, 2019, and August 30, 2020 (date of this article), the novel coronavirus and its corresponding infection, coronavirus disease (COVID-19), increased to more than 25 million cases, and 843 158 deaths have been registered. Countries around the world have been affected, albeit in different levels and intensities. Despite implementations of preventive public health measures, most countries are seriously preparing for 1 or more waves. The threat of this surge is likely to persist until herd immunity is acquired either by natural infection or through vaccination. However, given the time frame needed for herd immunity to occur and the low probability that a vaccine will be available on a global scale by the coming fall and winter seasons, contingency preparedness plans should be established and put in place for the coming days or months. These plans should help mitigate new peaks of the pandemic while relaxing the social isolation rules, patient, public health, and hospital levels. In this article, we discuss recommendations that practicing physicians and public health agencies should provide to individuals, especially those at risk of infection, to take and implement pre-emptive measures in anticipation of the potential next peak of the pandemic.

Automated summary

Between December 31, 2019, and August 30, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused more than 25 million cases and 843,158 deaths worldwide. With the threat of future waves, countries are preparing contingency plans to mitigate the impact. The time frame for achieving herd immunity and the uncertainty of vaccine availability necessitate proactive measures and preparedness plans.